Signs of a life-skills crisis are all around us... The high rate of personal bankruptcies... The lack of emphasis on saving and investing... The abuse of credit cards... The school drop-out rate... The high rate of failure of small businesses.

America's youth spend more than $140 billion annually, yet 60 percent cannot explain the difference between cash, checks and credit cards. Only 32 percent of parents talk to their children about personal finance and money matters. And 45 percent of small businesses fail within their first year, partly attributable to the lack of business education in our schools. 

JA provides students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to make better decisions - decisions that lead to a better future, where their dreams can become reality. The experience they gain through participation in JA provides a foundation for life-long success.